Automatic reclosing circuit breaker system



May 28, 1935. E. v. ELLETT AUTOMATIC RECLOSING CIRCUIT BREAKER SYSTEM Filed March 11, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR E. M57770]? Eilezz.

WlTNESSES:

May 28, 1935. E. v. ELLETT 2,003,042

AUTOMATIC RECLOSING CIRCUIT BREAKER SYSTEM Filed March 11, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q M R v m5 R a HR m 6 V0 A m m M 3 2 7 a 6 v v H V Q 9% a a v 5 6 5 am. w 2 72E. a g FH=J CC w T KW a QC A B b" &% 2 Y i g i 2w bbb fnfu JE Patented May 28, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATIC RECLOSING CIRCUIT BREAKER SYSTEM Pennsylvania Application March 11,

21 Claims.

My invention relates, generally, to circuit breaker systems and, more particularly, to automatic reclosing circuit breaker systems.

Heretofore, it has been the prevailing opinion that an automatic reclosing equipment must provide for a series of. successive timed reclosures of the breaker before a lock-out occurred. Consequently, such equipment by necessity was more or less complicated and expensive and for this reason could not be economically used in many instances where reclosing equipment was desirable.

I have discovered that in an ever increasing number of instances that this problem may be solved by utilizing a more simple form of reclosing equipment, which for convenience may be termed a "single-shot reclosing system.

In this system, provision is made for only a single reclosure of the breaker and for a complete lockout of the breaker if it does not remain closed for a predetermined time interval. If it does remain closed during such time interval, the system is reset in such a way that a subsequent reclosure may be effected automatically.

The object of my invention, generally stated, is the provision of an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system which shall be simple and effective in operation and which may be economically manufactured and installed.

A more specific object of my invention is to provide for obtaining a single automatic reclosure of a circuit breaker which has been actuated to the open circuit position in response to a circuit disturbance.

Another object of my invention is to provide for obtaining a single instantaneous reclosure of a circuit breaker and to prevent further reclosures of the breaker in the event that it should reopen within a predetermined time interval.

A further object of my invention is to provide for obtaining a single delayed or timed reclosure of a circuit breaker and to prevent further reclosures of the breaker in the even that it should reopen within a predetermined time interval.

Still a further object of my invention is to provide for obtaining either a single instantaneous or delayed reclosure of a circuit breaker and to prevent any further reclosures of the breaker in the event that it is again reopened before the expiration of a predetermined interval of time.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a reading of the fol- 1933, Serial No. 060,376

lowing description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system embodying the principal features of my invention for obtaining a timed or delayed reclosure with direct-current control;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a system similar to that of Fig. 2 with alternating-current control;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a modified form of my invention whereby a substantially instantaneous reclosure may be obtained with direct-current control; and

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a system similar to that of Fig. 3 with alternating-current control.

In practicing my invention in the instance where a single instantaneous reclosure of the circuit breaker is effected and further reclosures prevented if the breaker should reopen before the expiration of a predetermined time interval, the initial opening operation of the breaker effects a substantially instantaneous reclosure thereof and at the same time initiates the operation of a time delay relay, the principal function of which is to prevent a second reclosure of the breaker in the event that it should reopen before the expiration of a predetermined time interval which is determined by the setting of a time-delay relay. In the event that the breaker reopens before the time-delay relay has operated to impose the time delay a lock-out operation is effected and the breaker remains open until it receives the attention of an attendant or is again conditioned for operation in some other way. In the event that the breaker upon reclosure remains closed until the expiration of this time interval, the time-delay relay functions to condition the breaker for a second reclosure at any subsequent time.

In practicing the other form of my invention, as illustrated, wherein a single timed reclosure is effected and further reclosures prevented unless the breaker remains closed until the expiration of a predetermined time interval, the initial opening operation of the breaker initiates the operation of the timing relay, which in this instance has two principal functions. At the end of a predetermined time interval, the time-delay relay eifects a reclosure of the breaker and subsequent thereto, operates for another time interval during which interval if the breaker reopens it is locked out against further reclosures until it receives the attention of an attendant, or if it remains closed until the expiration of this interval, the time-delay relay renders the system effective to again reclose the breaker upon a subsequent reopening thereof.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to designate similar devices in the various figures, l3 designates generally a circuit breaker or interrupter of wellknown construction which may be utilized to control the flow of current between a power supply circuit ll connected with a source of power (not shown) and a load circuit l2.

With particular reference to Fig. 1, the circuit breaker I0 is provided with a plurality of main contact members l3, auxiliary contact members l5 and I6, a closing electro-magnet H, and a tripping or opening device designated generally at I8. As will be readily understood, the circuit breaker may be closed by energizing the coil IQ of the closing magnet, and when closed is held in such position by the tripping device in a wellknown manner. It is to be understood that the breaker may be closed by any other suitable means such, for example, as a motor, and that the electro-magnet I1 is merely illustrative of the closing device.

The tripping device I 8 is, of course, provided with a suitable actuating electro-magnet 2|, which may be controlled in accordance with any one or a combination of load circuit conditions, such, for example, as overload, under-voltage, etc., and in this instance is illustrated as an overload responsive device having its electro-magnet 2! connected to a suitable current transformer 22 in the load'circuit.

In this embodiment of the invention, provision is made for obtaining a single time delay reclosure of the breaker in response to the automatic opening thereof. By this, it is meant that the breaker is reclosed at the expiration of a predetermined time interval and must remain in the closed position until the expiration of a second predetermined time interval, in order that the reclosing equipment may automatically reset to take care of a second reclosure the necessity for which may arise at any time thereafter.

'In order to control the various timing operations that are involved, a suitable time-delay relay 23 is utilized. The time-delay relay may be of any suitable type, such, for example, as a relay of the induction type, as illustrated. In view of the fact that the constructional features and principle of operation of relays of this general type are well known, it is deemed to be unnecessary to describe the relay in detail other than to say that it comprises, generally, a disc element 24 which is rotated by means of a suitable electro-magnet 25, and otherwise controlled by the usual damping magnet 26. The relay is also provided with a movable contact member 21,.

which is disposed to engage contact members 28 when the relay is in a deenergized condition and contacts 29 when the relay is energized. A suitable spring element 36 is provided for holding the movable element of the relay in the deenergized or open position as shown. The movable contact member 21 is actuated by the disc 24 through suitable gears 3|, in order to slow down the rate of movement of the contact member 21.

The time delay relay 23 may be energized from any suitable source, such as, for example, the

voltage transformer 9 connected to the supply circuit Ii. In this embodiment of the invention, the remaining control operations are effected by the use of direct-current either obtained from a battery or some other source of direct current.

In order to control the energization of the closing electro-magnet 11, there is provided a control relay 32 which, as will be described hereinafter, is controlled by the time-delay relay 23 and also by a lockout relay as will presently be apparent.

In order to prevent a second reclosure of the breaker in the event that it does not remain closed until the expiration of a predetermined time interval after it is closed, a lock-out relay 33 is provided. In this instance the lock-out relay is flrst operated, in response to the operation of the control relay 32, to its lock-out position, which renders the time-delay relay 23 inefieotive to further control relay 32, since, in this instance the operation of relay 33 interrupts the energizing circuit of the control relay 32. The lock-out relay 33 is further responsive to thetimedelay relay 23, which causes it to reset at'the expiration of the predetermined time interval following the reclosure of the breaker.

In order that a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained, a detailed description of the operation of the system will now be set forth. Assuming that the switch 34 has been closed and that the circuit breaker I3 is in the closed position, which may be accomplished by operating the push-button switch 20, it will be apparent that upon the opening of the breaker its auxiliary contact members i5 will establish an obvious energizing circuit for the coil of the electro-magnet 25 of the time-delay relay 23.

Upon becoming energized, the time-delay relay 23 is set into operation and the movable contact member 21 disengages from contact members 28 and travels toward the contact members 29. At the expiration of a predetermined time interval, depending upon the time setting or adjustment of the relay, contact members 29 are closed to establish an energizing circuit for the control relay 32. This circuit extends from positive battery through contact members 29, conductor 35, contact members 36 of lock-out relay 33, which is now deenergized and-coil of control relay 32 to negative battery.

Upon the closure of control relay 32, an obvious operating circuit for the closing electromagnet I1 is established through contact members 31 thereof, which effects a reclosure of the breaker. Inv response to the closure of control relay 32 and auxiliary contact members l6 and the breaker Hi, the operating circuit for the lock-out relay 33 is established, which extends from positive battery through contact members 16, conductor 38, contact members 39, conductor 4!, coil of relay 33 and resistor 42 to negative battery. The operation of lock-out rel'ay 33 establishes a holding circuit through its contact members 43, which holds the relay in closed position, regardless of whether or not the breaker immediately opens.

As will be observed, the look-out feature is effected in this instance by the opening of contact members 36 of the lock-out relay which interrupt the energizing circuit for the control relay 32. Since this circuit is interrupted at this point, it is evident that should the breaker be opened, thereby closing its auxiliary contact members l5 and energizing the time-delay element 23, the closure of this relay would be ineifective to again operate the control relay 32.

It is intended, however, that should the breaker remain closed for a predetermined time that the lock-out relay 33 be deenergizedat the end of this time interval, which, in this instance, is eiiected by the time-delay relay 23 returning to its deenergized position. When in this position, a shunting circuit is established for the coil lock-out relay 33,, which extends from positive battery through contact members 28 of relay 23, conductor 44, and contact members 4501' relay 33, and auxiliary contact members 43 on the breaker to the negative side of the coil of relay 33. As will be readily understood, this short circuits the coil and permits this relay to close or reset to re-establish the operating circuit for the control relay 32, whereby, upon the subsequent reopening of the circuit breaker, the timedelay relay 23 is eifective to reclose the breaker a second time in the same manner as describedhereinbefore.

, The reclosing system illustrated in Fig. 2 is substantially the same as shown. in Fig. 1, with the exception that it is arranged for complete alternating current control, the control current for both the time-delay relay 23 and the other control relays and switches being obtained from the voltage transformer 9. In this instance, there is provided a control relay 32 for controlling the energization of the closing electro-magnet [1, which functions in somewhat the same manner as the control relay in Fig. 1. It will be'apparent that this system may also be controlled by direct current as in Fig. 1 and is especially desirable in cases where the source of control current, whether it be a direct current source or an alternating current source, is somewhat doubtful in reliability.

The lock-out in this embodiment is obtained by the use of a lock-out relay 4! of the toggle type, which is disposed to be controlled simul taneously with the closing electro-magnet ll of the breaker in accordance with the operation of the time-delay relay 23, in order to provide the reset feature in'the event that the breaker remains closed for a predetermined time, or to lock-out the system in the event that the breaker opens before the expiration of such time interval.

Assuming in this instance that the switch 25 is closed to energize the control circuits and that the breaker i0 has been operated to the closed position by means of the push-button switch 2t, an opening operation of the breaker establishes an obvious energizing circuit for the e1ectromagnet 25 of the time-delay relay 23 through its auxiliary contact members 15, thereby initiating the operation of the time-delay relay. At the expiration of a predetermined timeinterval, contact members 29 of time-delay relay 23 are closed and an operating circuit is established for the control relay 32. This circuit extends from conductor X through contact members 29, conductor 48, contact members 49 of the lock-out relay 31, which are closed when the relay is in its reset position, conductor coil of relay 32 and contact members 52 of relay 53, to conductor Y.

The closure of relay 32 mtablishes an energizing circuit for the closing electro-magnet H which extends from conductor Y through conductor 55, contact members 55, conductor 56, coil l9, and conductors 51 and 58 to conductor X, whereupon the breaker is actuated to its closed position.

In order to render the time-delay relay 23 ineffective to again close the breaker in the event that it should immediately reopen, provision is made for effecting the operation of the look-out relay 41 .simultaneously ,with the energization of the closing electro-magnet I1. As will be observed, the opening coil 33 of the lock-out relay is connected in parallel circuit relation to coil l3, so that it is energized simultaneously therewith. The energization of coil 53 opens contact members 43 and closes contact members 6! of the lock-out relay to set up a circuit for the reset coil 32. The opening of contact members 49 interrupts the energizing circuit for the control relay 32 and renders it unresponsive in the event that the time-delay relay 23 is again actuated to the closed position should the breaker reopen thereby re-energlzing the time-delay relay.

In addition to this the operation of the lockout relay 4'! performs another important i'unction in that it is operated to lock-out position before the breaker is actually closed, and therefore, before the closure of the breaker can aflect the control source adversely. In other words, the look-out relay is so operated as to anticipate any failure or collapse oi the control voltage whether it be direct current or alternating current.

In view of thefact that the energizing circuit for the control relay 32 is interrupted at one point by the opening of lock-out relay 47, provision is made for maintaining the control relay 32 definitely energized until the breaker has been actuated to the fully closed position, regardless of whether or not the breaker immediately reopens. When the control relay 32 is closed, its contact members 63 establish a holding circuit which extends from conductor X through'conductor 54, contact members 63, conductors 65 and 5|, coil of relay 32, and closed contact members 52 of the relay 53 to conductor Y. This circuit holds the control relay in a closed position when contact members 29 of the look-out relay 4? are opene In order to provide for deenergizing the control relay 32 when the breaker closes, the energization of the relay 53 is controlled by auxiliary contact members 66 of the breaker Hi. When the breaker closes, the coil of relay 53 is connected in parallel circuit relation with the coil of relay 32 by a circuit which extends from conductor 5! through conductors 65 and 61, coil of relay 53, conductor 88 and auxiliary contact members 56 to conductor Y. As will be readily understood, upon the closure of relay 53, its contact members 52 are opened to deenergize the control relay 32, whereupon the holding circuit for relay 53, which extends from conductor Y through contact members H, coil of relay 53, conductor 5'! and holding contact members 63 of relay 32, is also interrupted and both relays are returned to their normal positions.

As will be recalled, the look-out relay t! is now in the open position and must be actuated to the reset position before the time-delay relay 23 is again rendered effective to operate control relay 32 to close the breaker.

In this instance, the reset coil 62 of the lockout relay is controlled over a circuit which extends from conductor X through contact members 23 of the time-delay relay, conductor 12, coil 82, contact members 6|, conductor 73, and auxiliary contact members '14 of the breaker ill to conductor Y. As is evident, the operating circuit for the reset coil cannot be established in response to the return of the time-delay relay 23 to its deenergized position, unless the breaker I0 is closed, thereby imposing the definite condition that the breaker in must remain closed for a predetermined time interval, .after it is first reclosed, in order that further reclosing operations may be obtained.

It will, of course, be understood that the timedelay relay 23 in this system, as well as that illustrated in Fig. 1, may be so adjusted in any well known manner, such; for example, as adjusting the distance between the contact members 28 and 29, or changing the ratio of the gears 3! so as to obtain any desired timing of the reclosing and resetting operations.

In the system shown in Fig. 3, provision is made for obtaining substantially instantaneous reclosure of the circuit breaker and a lock-out of the reclosing system in the event that the circuit breaker does not remain closed for a predetermined time interval. In this system, the control relay 32 is controlled directly by means of auxiliary contact members 76 on the circuit breaker IIl instead of by means of a time-delay relay, as in Figs. 1 and 2.

The lock-out feature is obtained by the use of a lock-out relay 33 which functions, as will be described hereinafter, to interrupt the operating circuit for the control relay simultaneously with the first reclosure of the breaker.

In this instance, the reset operation is eifected or controlled by a time-delay relay I1 having a disc element 18 and an actuating element I9. This relay is so constructed that the movable contact element M is actuated to bridge the contact members 82 in response to the energization of the actuating magnet 83. As will be observed, the energization of magnet 83 actuates the armature 84 to the closed position. The armature 86 is connected to the rack member 85 by means of a spring element 86, which permits the armature 84 to close, thereby flexing the spring 86 and exerting a force on the rack 85, which is transmitted through gears 81, 88 and 89 to the shaft of the induction element 78.

As will be observed, the gears 81 and 88, which mesh, respectively, with the rack 85 and gear 89, are mounted upon the shaft 9|, which may be shifted on its pivotal mounting 92 in such manner as to either engage or disengage the gears 88 and 89. As shown, these gears are held into engagement by means of a suitable electromagnet 93, which is disposed to be energized when the electro-magnet 83 is energized, and the gears are disengaged by means of a spring 94, which becomes elTective upon the deenergization of magnet 93. 1

In order to return'the armature and gears to the deenergized position in response to the deenergization of the magnet 83, a spring 95 is provided. The induction element I8, when deenergized from the actuating elements I9, is also returned to the deenergized or open position by means of a suitable spring 96.

In view of the foregoing, it will be readily understood that when the circuit breaker I 9 is in the closed position and switch 34 closed, the auxiliary contact members I5 on the breaker will establish an energizing circuit for the electromagnets 83 and 93 of the time-delay relay. The energization of these magnets causes the relay to beactuated to .its on position, at which time the contact members 82 are closed, but are ineffective to perform any control function. This is the condition of the elements of this system when an automatic opening of the circuit breaker occurs.

It will be readily understood that while a specific embodiment of a time-delay relay has been illustrated, any other suitable type may be used so long as it provides for obtaining the necessary time delay after the breaker is reclosed.

When the circuit breaker opens, the closure of its auxiliary contact members 16 establish an operating circuit for the control relay 32, which extends from positive battery through contact members 76,- conductor 98, contact members 99, and coil of relay 32 to negative battery. Upon the operation of relay 32, an energizing circuit is immediately establishedfor the coil I9, and the breaker is actuated to the closed position directly under the control of the relay 32.

In this instance, the look-out relay 33 is controlled by auxiliary contact members I92 of the breaker which, when the breaker closes, establishes a circuit from positive battery through contact members I92, conductor I93, contact members I94, conductor I95, coil of relay 33, and resistor I96 to negative battery.

The operation of relay 33 opens its contact members 99, thereby rendering the control relay 32 unresponsive to a reopening of the breaker, closes contact members I97 to establish an obvious holding circuit, and closes contact members I08 to set up a reset circuit under the control of the time-delay relay Tl.

When the circuit breaker was first opened, electro-magnets 83 and 93of the time-delay relay 1'! were deenergized, thereby permitting the relay to quickly reset to the "off position, as shown in the drawings. The timing operation of the relay and its effectiveness to reset the system after a predetermined time interval depends solely upon the breaker remaining closed for a predetermined time interval, since energization of the time-delay relay I1 is .dependent upon auxiliary contact members I5 of the breaker remaining closed. If the breaker remains closed fora predetermined time interval as determined by the setting or adjustment of the time-delay relay, contact members 82 are bridged by the movable element 8|, thereby establishing a shunting circuit for the coil of lock-out relay 33, which deenergizes the relay, thereby causing it to set up the operating circuit for the control relay 32 by the closure of its contact members 99.

In the system shown in Fig. 4, provision is also made for obtaining a substantially instantaneous reclosure of the breaker, except that in this instance the system is arranged for complete alternating-current control, as in Fig. 2, but differs from the system shown in Fig. 2 for the reason that in Fig. 2 there is obtained a time delayed first reclosure. In both cases, the time delayed reset from the look-out condition is provided for and the toggle lockout relay again functions to anticipate any failure or collapse of the control voltage.

In this instance, the time delay relay 'I'I may be the same as that illustrated in the system of Fig. 3, and the lookout relay 4! may be of the same type as illustrated in the system of Fig. 2. When the circuit breaker is in the fully closed position and switch 34 is closed, an obvious energizing circuit for the magnets 83 and 93 of the time-delay relay is established through the auxiliary contact members I5 of the circuit breaker.

In the event that the circuit breaker is automatically tripped, the closure of its auxiliary contact members II2 establishes an operating circuit for the control relay 32, which extends from conductor Y through contact members IIZ, conductor II3, contact members H4 of the lockout relay which is now in the reset position, conductors II! and II 8, coil of relay l2 and contact members I II of relay 53 to conductor X. The control relay 32 is actuated immediately to energize the closing electromagnet I! over a circuit which extends from conductor X through conductor II 8, contact members II9, coil I9 and conductor IN to the conductor Y.

Simultaneously, with the energization of coil I 8, the opening coil I22 of the look-out relay I" is energized over an obvious parallel circuit. The lock-out relay 41 is thereupon operated to interrupt the operating circuit for the closing relay 32 and set up the reset circuit by the closure of its contact members I23.

, When the control relay 32 closes, it establishes a holding circuit for itself which extends from conductor Y through conductor I24, contact members I25, and conductors I26 and H6, coil of relay 32, and closed contact members II! to conductor X.

- In order to release the control relay 32, this holding circuit is interrupted by the operation 01' cut-on or auxiliary relay 53, which is controlled by auxiliary contacts I21 on the circuit breaker. When the circuit breaker is fully closed, thecontacts I21 establish a circuit from conductor X, through conductor I28, coil of relay 53, conductors I29, H8 and I25, contact members I25, and conductor I24 to conductor Y.

Upon the closure of relay 53, its contact members I3I establish an obvious holding circuit for its coil, and the opening of its contact members II'I deenergize the control relay 32, which in turn opens its contact members I25 to deen ergize relay 53.

Following the reclosure of the breaker, the time-delay relay TI is being operated toward its closed position, and if the circuit breaker remains closed until the relay contacts 82 are closed, the reset circuit for the look-out relay i? is established. This circuit extends from conductor X through contact members 82, conductor I32, contact members I23 of the look-out relay, and reset coil I33 to conductor Y. The energize.- tion of reset coil I33 actuates the lock-out relay to close the contact members H4 and again set up the operating circuit, whereby the control relay 32 is now rendered responsive to a second reopening of the circuit breaker.

As will be readily understood, the time-delay relay ll illustrated remains in its closed position with the coils 83 and 93 energized until the circuit breaker is again opened, whereupon the relay is automatically reset, as described hereinoefore, to effect a timing operation to control the resetting of the system. It will be apparent, however, that any suitable timing means may be utilized to deenergize coils 83 and 93 upon the expiration of a predetermined time interval after the breaker is closed.

In view of the foregoing description, it will be evident that I have provided a novel reclosing system of a simple and economical nature which may be readily utilized for the control of any circuit breaker wherein it is desired to provide for only a single reclosure in the sense that the breaker must remain closed until the expiration of a predetermined time interval in order that the system may operate automatically to eifect a reclosure at a subsequent time.

The systems disclosed provide for obtaining the reclosure immediately or after a predetermined time delay, and in each instance provide for automatically looking out the system in the event that the breaker does not remain closed for a predetermined time.

It may be stated in conclusion that, while the illustrated example constitutes a practical embodiment of my invention, I do not wish to limit myself strictly to the exact details herein illustrated, since modifications of the same may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for opening the circuit breaker, control means responsive to the opening operation 01 the breaker for effecting a reclosure of the breaker, and means for rendering said control inefiective to reelose the breaker a second time in the event that the breaker reopens before the expiration of a predetermined time interval.

2. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for effecting an opening operation of the breaker, and means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting a reclosure thereof after a predetermined interval of time, said means being further operable to prevent a second reclosure of the breaker in the event that the breaker reopens before the expiration of a predetermined time interval,

3. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for effecting an opening operation of the breaker, means operable to effect a reclosure of the breaker, and means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting the operation of said reclosing means at the expiration 01' a predetermined time interval, and means operable in response to the operation of the reclosing,

means to prevent a further reclosure oi the breaker in the event that the breaker reopens before the expiration of a predetermined time interval 4. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for effecting an opening operation of the breaker, means operable to efiect a reclosure oi the breaker, means responsive to the operation or said reclosing means for rendering said reclosing means ineffective to reclose the breaker, and means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting the operation or said reclosing means to reclose the breaker at the expiration of a predetermined time interval, said means being further operable to cause the means for rendering the reclosing means ineffective to render said reclosing means eifective in the event that the breaker remains closed until the expiration of a second predetermined time interval.

5. In combination, a load circuit, a power supply circuit, a circuit interrupter interposed between said circuits, means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions for opening the interrupter, means for effecting a closing operation of the interrupter, a relay for controlling the operation of said closing means, a. second relay operable in response to the operation of said first relay for rendering said first relay inefiective to control the closing means, and a time-delay relay responsive to the opening operation 01' the interrupter for controlling the operation of said first and second relays, whereby the interrupter upon opening is reclosed after a predetermined time interval and is prevented from reclosing if it reopens within a second predetermined time interval.

6. In combination, a load circuit, a power supply circuit, a circuit interrupter interposed between said circuits, means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions for opening the interrupter, means for efiecting a closing operation of the interrupter, an energizing circuit for the closing means, a relay for controlling said energizing circuit, an energizing circuit for said relay, a second relay operable to open the energizing circuit for the first relay and responsive to the operation of said first relay when operated to close the interrupter, and a. time-delay relay operable in response to an opening operation of the interrupter to close the energizing circuit for the first relay after a predetermined time interval to close the interrupter and further operable when deenergized by the closing of r the interrupter to cause after a second predetermined time interval said second relay to close the energizing circuit for the first relay, whereby, the interrupter may be reclosed a second time only in the event that it remains closed until the expiration of the second timing interval.

7. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for opening the breaker, means responsive to the opening of the circuit breaker operable to efiect a reclosure thereof at the expiration of a predetermined time interval, and means controlled by said closing means simultaneously with the closing of the breaker for rendering said closing means inefiective to again reclose the breaker in the event that it opens before the expiration of a predetermined time interval.

8. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, 'means for closing the breaker, means foropening the breaker, time-delay means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting the operation of the breaker closing means at the expiration of a predetermined time interval, and means for controlling the effectiveness of said time-delay means to operate the closing means, said means being operable in response to the operation of the time-delay means to render said time-delay means ineffective to close the breaker and further responsive to the time-delay means at the expiration of a second predetermined time interval to again render said timedelay means efiective to close the breaker.

9. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker provided with opening and closing means, a control relay for controlling the energization of the closing means, a time-delay relay operable in response to an opening operation of the breaker for energizing the control relay to close the breaker, and a lock-out relay operated by the time-delay relay simultaneously with the control relay to render said control relay further unresponsive to the time-delay relay, said timedelay relay being further operable upon the closing of the breaker to operate the lock-out relay at the expiration of a predetermined time interval to again render the control relay responsive to the time-delay relay upon the occurrence of a subsequent opening of the breaker after said predetermined time interval.

10. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker provided with opening and closing coils, a control relay for controlling the energization of the closing coil, an energizing circuit for the control relay, a time-element relay operable in response to an opening operation of the breaker to close the energizing circuit for the control relay, and

a lock-out relay for further controlling the energizing circuit for the control relay, said lock-out relay having an opening coil energized by the time-element relay simultaneously with the energization of the control relay whereby the energizing circuit for the control relay is interrupted and a closing coil energized by the time-delay relay at the expiration of a predetermined time interval subsequent to the closure of the breaker whereby the energizing circuit for the control relay is again rendered responsive to the operation of the time-element relay upon the occurrence of a reopening of the breaker after said predetermined time interval.

11.;In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for efiecting an opening operation of the breaker, means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting an immediate reclosure thereof, and means operable in response to the opening operation of the breaker for rendering said reclosing means ineffective to again reclose the breaker in the event that it reopens within a predetermined interval of time.

12. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for eifecting an opening operation of the breaker, means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting an immediate reclosure thereof, means responsive to the operation of said reclosing means for rendering said means inefiective to again reclose the breaker and means also responsive to the initial opening operation of the breaker for causing said second means to render the reclosing means efiective to reclose the breaker dependent upon the breaker remaining closed until the expiration ota predetermined interval of time.

13. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker sytem, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for opening the circuit breaker, means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting a substantially instantaneous reclosure thereof, and means initiated into operation in response to the opening of the breaker for rendering said reclosing means ineffective to reclose the breaker a second time should it reopen before the expiration of a predetermined time interval.

14. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker provided with automatic tripping means, relay means responsive to the operation of the breaker for efiecting an immediate reclosure thereof, meansresponsive to the operation of said relay means for rendering said relay means ineffective to again close the breaker immediately, and means initiated into operation by the opening operation of the breaker for rendering said relay means effective to effect a second reclosure of the breaker only in the event that the breaker remains closed, until the expiration of a predetermined time interval.

- 15. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker having automatic tripping means, closing means for the circuit breaker, a control relay responsive to an opening operation of the breaker for controlling the closing means to efiect a substantially instantaneous reclosure thereof, a lock-out relay adapted, when in its closed or reset position, to cooperate with the control relay to control the closing means and, when in its open position, to render said control relay ineffective, said lockout relay being operated to its open position in response to the operation of the control relay, and a time delay relay operable in response to the opening operation of the breaker and disposed toeflect the operation of the look-out relay to the closed or reset position at the expiration of a predetermined time interval, thereby to again render the control relay efl'ective only in the event that the breaker remains closed during the predetermined time interval.

16. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for opening the circuit breaker, closing means for the breaker, a control relay for controlling the energization of the closing means, a lock-out relay having open and reset positions and opening and reset coils, said relay being disposed when in reset position to cooperate with the control relay in controlling the energization of the clos'ng means for the breaker and when in the open position to render the control relay ineifective, means actuated by the opening of the circuit breaker for operating the control relay to energize the closing means of the breaker, said lock-out relay being operated to its open position by the operation of the control relay to render said relay inelfective, and a time-delay relay started into operation in response to the opening of the breaker for energizing the reset coil of the look-out relay at the expiration of a predetermined time interval, dependent upon the breaker remaining closed during said time interval.

17. In an automatic reclosing circuit breaker system, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for opening the circuit breaker, means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effect'ng a reclosure thereof, relay means responsive to the operation of said reclosing means for rendering said reclosing means ineil'ective to again reclose the breaker immediately, and means initiated into operation in response to the initial opening of the breaker for causing said relay means to again render the reclosing means eilective to reclose the breaker dependent upon the breaker remaining closed until the expiration of a predetermined time interval.

18. In combination, a circuit breaker, means for effecting an opening operation of the breaker, con mi means responsive to the opening operation of the breaker for effecting an immediate reclosure thereof, lock-out means responsive to the operation of said reclosing means for rendering said reclosing means ineifective to reclose the breaker immediately, and time delay means dependent for its operation on the breaker remaining closed for a predetermined time interval for operating the lock-out means to render the reclosing means again effective to reclose the breaker immediately in response to an opening operation thereof.

19. In combination, a circuit breaker, means for efiecting an opening operation of the breaker, a control relay responsive to the opening of the breaker for eflecting a substantially instantaneous reclosure thereof, a lock-out relay jointly responsive to the operation of the control relay and the closure of the breaker for rendering the control relay unresponsive to an immediate reopening of the breaker, and a time-delay relay initiated into operation in response to the initial opening of the breaker operable to control the look-out relay to again render the control relay effective to reclose the breaker substantially instantaneously dependent upon the breaker remaining closed for a predetermined time.

20. In a system for eil'ecting substantially instantaneous reclosures of a circuit breaker, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for eflecting an opening operation of the breaker, means controlled by the opening operation of the breaker for efiecting a substantially instantaneous reclosure thereof, lock-out means responsive to the operation of the reclosing means for rendering said means unresponsive to an immediate reopening of the breaker, and time-delay means operable to control the lock-out means to again render the reclosing means responsive to an opening operation of the breaker to reclose it substantially instantaneously dependent upon the breaker remaining closed for a predetermined time interval following each reclosure.

21. In a system for effecting immediate reclosures of a circuit breaker, in combination, a circuit breaker, means for opening the breaker, means for closing the breaker, a control relay directly responsive to the opening of the breaker for controlling the energization of the closing means to effect an immediate reclosure thereof, a lock-out relay having lock-out and reset positions operated to its lock-out position in response to the operation or the control relay for rendering said control relay unresponsive to an imme-- diate reopening of the breaker, and a time-delay relay dependent for its operation upon the breaker remaining closed for a predetermined time interval following a reclosure thereof for operating the lock-out relay to its reset position, thereby, to again render the control relay responsive to a subsequent opening operation of the breaker to eilect another immediate reclosure thereof;

E. VERNON ELLE'I'I. 

